Most banks will not issue cheque books for savings accounts
A cheque book is a feature of a chequing account, not a savings account. Banks keep these separate because cheques are a payment method — they move money out on demand — while savings accounts are designed to hold money and earn interest. If you write cheques against a savings account, the bank loses the ability to predict cash flow and enforce withdrawal limits that protect your savings.
Some banks offer a hybrid product that combines savings features with limited cheque-writing, but these are uncommon and come with restrictions. Your bank may call it a "savings chequing account" or "chequing savings account", but it will have a different account number and different terms than your current savings account.
If you need to pay bills or send money regularly, switching to a chequing account or using a debit card from your savings account is usually faster and simpler than asking for an exception.
Key Takeaways
- Cheque books are issued only for chequing accounts, because cheques are a withdrawal method that conflicts with savings account rules.
- If your bank offers a hybrid savings-chequing product, you would need to open a new account — your current savings account cannot be converted.
- A debit card linked to your savings account lets you pay bills and make purchases without a cheque book or switching accounts.
- Some banks charge monthly fees for chequing accounts, so compare the cost of switching against the cost of using other payment methods.
- If you rarely write cheques, keeping your savings account and using online bill pay or transfers may cost less than maintaining a separate chequing account.
Why banks separate savings and chequing accounts
A savings account has withdrawal limits — most banks allow you to withdraw a set number of times per month (often six) before charging a fee. This limit exists because the bank uses your money to fund loans and investments. If you could write unlimited cheques, the bank could not reliably predict how much cash it needs to keep on hand.
A chequing account has no withdrawal limit. You can write as many cheques as you want, which means the bank must keep more cash available and cannot invest your balance as aggressively. That is why chequing accounts usually pay little or no interest, while savings accounts pay higher rates.
Issuing a cheque book for a savings account would break this system. The bank would have to either remove the withdrawal limit (turning it into a chequing account) or enforce the limit while cheques are outstanding (which creates accounting problems and customer confusion).
What to do if you need to write cheques regularly
Open a chequing account at the same bank. Most banks let you keep both accounts open at once, so you can leave your savings in the savings account and use the chequing account only for bills and regular payments. You can transfer money between them online in seconds.
Ask your bank whether the chequing account has a monthly fee and what the fee is waived for — some banks waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account. If the fee is high, compare it against the cost of paying bills another way.
If you write very few cheques, you may not need a chequing account at all. Many people now pay bills through online banking, automatic transfers, or a debit card, which all work from a savings account without a cheque book.
Using a debit card instead of cheques
Your bank can issue a debit card linked to your savings account. You can use it to pay in stores, online, or over the phone — anywhere that accepts cards. You can also use it to withdraw cash from ATMs. There is no cheque book involved, and you do not need a separate account.
Debit cards work when ready and leave a clear record of each transaction in your online banking. They also offer fraud protection: if someone uses your card without permission, you can dispute the charge and the bank will usually refund it within a few business days.
The main limitation is that some businesses (usually landlords or large contractors) still prefer cheques because they want a physical record with your signature. If you need to pay those kinds of bills, a chequing account with a cheque book is still the most straightforward option.
Hybrid accounts that combine savings and cheque-writing
A few banks offer accounts that let you earn interest on your balance and write cheques, though these products are less common than they used to be. They usually come with higher minimum balances, lower interest rates, or limits on how many cheques you can write per month.
If your bank offers one, you would need to open it as a new account — your existing savings account cannot be converted. You would get a new account number, new debit card, and new cheque book. Ask your bank what the monthly fee is, what the interest rate is, and whether there are limits on cheques or withdrawals.
For most people, keeping a savings account and a separate no-fee or low-fee chequing account is simpler and cheaper than a hybrid product.
How to request a cheque book if your bank offers one
If you have opened a chequing account and your bank has not automatically sent you a cheque book, you can request one through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks send cheque books within 5 to 10 business days.
You can usually order additional cheque books the same way. Some banks charge a small fee per book (typically $10 to $20), while others include a certain number free per year. Ask your bank what the cost is before you order.
If you rarely use cheques, you may not need a full book. Some banks will print a smaller number of cheques or let you order them one at a time, which can be cheaper than ordering a full book of 25 or 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write cheques from my savings account without a cheque book?
No. Cheques require a physical cheque book issued by your bank, and banks only issue cheque books for chequing accounts. If you need to pay someone by cheque, you need a chequing account.
Will opening a chequing account affect my savings account?
No. You can keep both accounts open at the same bank. Your savings account will continue to earn interest and have the same withdrawal limits. The chequing account is separate and does not change your savings account in any way.
What if my bank charges a fee for a chequing account?
Compare the monthly fee against how often you write cheques and what other payment methods cost you. If you write cheques only a few times a year, you might save money by using online bill pay or transfers from your savings account instead of paying a monthly chequing fee.
Can I use my debit card to pay bills instead of writing cheques?
Yes, for most bills. You can pay online, by phone, or in person with a debit card. The main exception is landlords and some contractors who specifically require a cheque. Ask them if they accept other payment methods before you assume you need a cheque book.
How long does it take to get a cheque book?
Most banks mail cheque books within 5 to 10 business days of your request. If you need cheques urgently, ask your bank if they can print a small number at a branch or if they offer when ready cheques (some banks do, though this is less common now).